More info:Just wanted to fill you guys in on what’s been happening lately with some of the decisions that have been on my mind lately. Sorry again for how long it is but wanted to make sure I got everything in. Had a great time with my little sister this weekend going to the Monster Jam, Six Flags, and other things. Been excited about songwriting too and can’t wait for you guys to hear what may come from it!

Transcription of this epic vlog:
Howdy folks! It’s David here. And as you can see I’m outside today, because the weather is amazing. It’s been raining like crazy the last few days. But it’s blue skies, sunny. So I just couldn’t resist coming outside. I just wanted to check in with you guys, let you guys know what’s been going on.

First off, this last Friday was my youngest sister’s birthday and so I brought her down to Southern California, and got to spend time with her, take her out to places to eat, it was just really cool getting to do that. And then we also went to see monster truck racing [laughs]. It was called Monster Jam at Dodger Stadium and it was a pretty interesting experience. It was pouring rain, it was freezing, but it was fun. We weren’t allowed to take in umbrellas, so we just wore garbage bags, because we had to leave the umbrellas in the car. But it was an experience, that’s for sure. It was fun.

Another thing we got to do, yesterday, for Presidents’ Day, we went to Six Flags Magic Mountain and got to ride the rollercoasters there. It was fun, both my sister and I love rollercoasters so it was a lot of fun getting to do that. Then we also got to go to the batting cages and things like that. I really hope my sister had a good time. So, Amber, hope you had a good birthday weekend.

"It’s the relationship with you guys that’s the most important."

So, next thing, to get down to business here. Just wanted to let you guys know about things that have been going on. I know a lot of you have been worried about it. Hearing that I’m no longer with my record label, Jive, and I’m no longer with my management anymore, either.

So I’ve kind of been talking about it in my tweets and stuff, about decision-making … making decisions. And just kind of figuring out, okay, who’s David, who is he supposed to be. What direction is he trying to go as an artist and things? And just really thinking about that. And something I’ve been doing a lot is writing. I’ve done a lot of writing in the past, but lately I’ve been trying to focus on writing by myself. What comes out of me? And trying not to be self-conscious, I’m a self-conscious person, but just don’t worry what comes out, just let it come out. And it’s just been really cool getting to say “Okay, this is how I’m feeling, this is what I’m thinking, and this is how it comes out in music.” That’s the reason music … that’s the purpose of music anyway, right?

So I’ve been excited about doing that and getting more involved in writing, and seeing what sound comes out from here, [points] David’s head. So I’m excited for you guys to hear what may come out of it. It’s just a fun time getting to … I think the most important of all the … doing is the relationship I have with you guys. You guys are the ones who are hearing this and listen to it. And I just want to make sure that whatever it is that I’m sharing is real and something that I feel a real connection to and feel good about. That’s the most important part of music, so isn’t that the number one thing I should be focusing on? And giving myself time to do it, I’ve never really given myself time to do it. Now I’ve just said, this is important. (Sorry for the noises outside … anyway.)

How appropriate for a discussion of former labels and management ... bananas.

So with Jive … Jive has been changing as a company. There have been a lot of changes. The president of Sony, Barry Weiss (who’s also over Jive Records) is no longer with the company anymore, he left Sony. And same with my A&R guy, who is the person I would make the albums with, Jeff Fenster, he’s no longer there, he left too. So a lot of people have been leaving and there have just been a lot of changes. They’re changing as a company. And I feel like I’m changing as an artist. I’m changing the direction I’m going too [hands diverging directions], so there were offers to continue working with them but it just didn’t feel like the right thing right now.

I’ve loved working with them, they’ve been so great, you know the people there are just awesome, I love going over to visit them and talk to them and I’ve learned a lot from them as a company. They’ve helped me get to this point from what I’ve learned with the music business and the way it all works. But I just felt like I need to start going in a different direction now, it just felt like the right time to part ways.

It’s scary making those decisions sometimes you’re like, “Is this the right decision? Am I crazy?” but I’ve learned also throughout my life, you have to follow your gut. You have to follow that instinct, that feeling you have inside of you. And I just feel like, sometimes it’s hard to make decisions but it’s the right thing to do, so I’ve been excited, I’m looking forward to the future … what David is going to be giving to you guys, in the future and how also I’ll be developing as a person and as an artist, with my music.

Another thing is with management. I’m no longer with the management company I’ve been working with. It’s another great company I’ve been working with, they’ve had so much success, and they’ve really been fun to work with, but it’s just another thing, it’s like, I realize this is not where I need to be right now. This is not what I want to be doing right now, not what I want to be focusing on. I mean, not like they were doing anything bad, or anything wrong you know, they’ve been great.

But just thinking, “Okay, what do I want to focus on right now?” and “What’s the right thing for me to do right now?” And I’ve just learned, only recently I’ve learned, it’s an obvious thing, but I have control over my life, the decisions I make, that’s what’s going to make or break, not necessarily just my career but my life too. So I’m just excited where to go, the direction that I’m hoping to go with music.

I’m sorry for scaring you guys with things but I just wanted to thank all of you for the support you’ve been showing. It means a lot to me. Even if sometimes it’s like “What’s going on?” you’re still supportive and so positive and it helps keep me … I mean, I already feel good about things but it makes me feel so much better to know that you guys are… there are a couple of things coming up that will be going on soon that I’m looking forward to letting you guys know about in their own due time. Anyway this always gets long, I’m sorry. I don’t know if I mentioned it, but there’s a banana tree behind here, I thought it would be kinda fun to have some platanos, bananas, growing right there.

Anyway, so that’s all I have to say for now, sorry it’s so long. I will talk to you guys later and will fill you guys in on more what happens in the future. I didn’t want to leave you guys in the dark. I feel communication is key. And this relationship with music … you guys … it’s the relationship with you guys that’s the most important. So, anyway, thanks for hearing me ramble, I’m sorry if it got complicated but, have a great week you guys!

P.S. I am over the moon after this vlog … even though we have no idea what’s coming next, we know David’s writing songs, he’s more excited than ever to pursue music … in fact, a new direction, more soulful maybe? More David, for sure. And we know how much he lives to perform so I’ve gotta believe plans for that are in the works too. … It’s the butterflies, that keep you feelin’ so alive, so alive…. What do you guys think???

I’m happy! I’m very proud of David for being such a classy guy! I’m excited about his artistic expression and sense of freedom. He also expresses being grateful while also exploring new opportunities. He want to grow from within and wants to share it with us. I can breathe and look forward to hearing David sing again in “due time” ha!

I’m praying for those I’m resenting! Guess who! I have a ways to go but want to be more like David!

I appreciate the right to share this seiicfpc, I think regarding this and I enjoy understanding about it subject matter. Satisfy, as you increase facts, make sure you renovate this blog with a lot more facts. Over the internet the idea handy. There have being receiving stations almost everywhere.

He is at one of those crossroads. They can be trying but exciting times, and he is learning everyday. I love that he is taking the time he needs for him, for everything. Many things to consider and decisions to be made. Between offers, information and support, I bet his email and phone have been going bonkers.

And how do we even talk about his class. Hope the tweeters follow his example. Just sayin’.

haha, emme, I almost called this post “Crossroads”! It really is. And he’s choosing the high road, as usual.

SF & HeidiJoy, what a classy guy, indeed. He could have done with Ciara did on FB to “set the record straight” about Jive (not to mention Melinda), but no, not his style at all.

I’m just so thrilled he’s grown in confidence enough to get back to writing on his own… and tossing away that internal editor and just letting his brilliant creative juices flow … who knows, next time we see him on stage, he might even be strummin’ a guitar!!! 🙂

I remember when he was near the end of the writing for the TOSOD album and he talked about wanting to do some producing on his next album. I was like wow! I would think he had to have gotten a lot of positive feedback during the making of this album to gain the confidence you would need to stepout and consider solo writing and then producing, especially so young. It has been said many times he is fearless. He shows us over and over. Wish I had his guts.

hahaha, I must say, when I listened to TOSOD on my way home today it was like I was hearing each song for the first time. Esp. “Who I Am,” “Good Place” gahhh everything! Even Stomping the Roses now sounds like it was written about Jive! lol

good question, emme, sounds like he’s planning to take some time to do his own thing before signing another contract with anyone, but who knows. Artists don’t need labels like they used to (Joy Williams/The Civil Wars don’t have one, neither do Mumford & Sons who toured their new music before recording it… that would be so cool if David tried that approach). Fenster might be advising him though … the phrase “my relationship with you guys” sounds Fensterish. lol

Omg…..I am over the moon too with David’s vlog. Knew it would be coming but what a blessed relief and joy it is. So happy for David, seems he is taking control of his life indeed…writing songs on his own too, love that. Talk about Mr. confidence….I loved David’s words and I am thrilled for him because I know his creative juices will flow and that leads to some pretty amazing music.
How sweet that the first thing he talked about was his little sister and their weekend. Love that about him, always thinking of family and their happiness too. His thoughtful and kind words to the fans, one big smile for me.
It’s true that artists don’t need labels like they use to…whatever David’s decisions are I feel certain they will be right for him. Can’t wait for more news!
TOfan, loved the pic with the bananas reference. 🙂

KT…thanks for your great post from the last thread, just had time to read it. Very well said and the article, most interesting. Thank goodness there are so many other options available to good artists these days. David will have no problem, he is meant to be.

Another special treat today: Some wonderful videos of David’s performances from his trip to India with RSO. These are just beautiful, so heartfelt, oh my. Very thankful to dougamigo who recorded these. Some great comments from him too on his Youtube channel. Apparently there will be more to come. ❤

I haven’t listened to an “Angels” performance in a long time. This one is beautiful and straight from the heart. Hope this type of writing/performance is one of the things that’s “in David’s head” waiting to come out. 😀

What a watershed vlog. Decisions Decisions. Growing up isn’t easy. You hold on to things that were. You wonder what’s to come. David knew it was time to let go of what had been, and look ahead to what would be. New days to come. He makes it look so simple. 😀

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream — and not make dreams your master;
If you can think — and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings — nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run —
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And — which is more — you’ll be a Man, my son!

“If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise”

Kizzi: I was thinking of that Rudyard Kipling poem recently & how it applies to David’s life! Thanks for sharing it..I gave it to my son framed when he was very young.

What do I think? David Archuleta is one of the most ‘wise beyond his years’ young men I’ve ever had the pleasure of ‘knowing’. His vlog was precious in the sense that he wanted to put our minds at ease. I couldn’t adore him more & I pray that he will remain as content with his life as he seems right now. Way to go, David! ♥

Kizzi & Marylee, that poem really does apply, doesn’t it. In fact, “If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken/ Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools reminded me of some of the initial media reports … and Melinda’s tweet! 😆

Hiya all !!! Beautiful day isn’t it ?!?!?!??!!? 🙂 LOVE the title post .. one of my favorite lines <3333 but there are soooo many aren't there???!?!!!! Love the lyrics on "The Other Side of Down" WTG David!!!

David had the opportunity to learn and gain alot of experience with the music business in the 3 years he was with Jive …. and he will use it!! He is going to be fine 🙂 cause …….

"I'm gonna take this moment that I'm in right now
Stop the craziness some how
Leave it all behind me
I know it's gonna find me
I've got nothing to win, I've got nothing to lose
Just trying to walk in my own two shoes
Gotta take some time now
It's time for me to find out who I am
Oh oh oh, Oh oh oh, Oh oh oh
Who I am

Yes song quote hehehe sorry just had to 🙂

Love and {{{{hugs}}}

he knows what he is doing … he know who he is !!
Always trust the Archuleta! 🙂
and ….. he loves his fans! Yayyyyy!

Awww thanks so much!! FUN TIMES!! 🙂 We had so much fun throwing out ideas … filming … and putting it together! Always a blast with Karin and John and the whole ArchUAtlanta group … Kathleen, Pri, Dustin, and Sharon <333 love them all!

Hi all,
I’m just catching up with all of the fan sites today. Been dealing with a sick daughter. I love reading all of the fans’ thoughts and insights about the happenings of the last few days. I never doubted that David was fine and that he was dealing with all of these changes in true “Archuleta style” but it is nice to finally hear in his own words what happened.

I refrained from commenting when this all broke, wanting to really process it in my head. I wrote on my blog but didn’t share it with anyone at the time. Now it is all a little more clear. This morning I created a new entry entitled “David Archuleta Makes Up His Mind.” You can find it here http://www.cacophonyvsharmony.blogspot.com . I will apologize in advance, I ramble almost as much as David.

Thanks for sharing this great site and your love for David with all of us. Margy

Margy, really liked your blog…yes it almost seems like David’s music (especially TOSOD) was a lead up to where he is at this moment….the right place for David.
Love the poem “If” too, always have and it does reflect on much about where David is it seems.
The fan vid for “Who I Am” is pretty awesome, loved it. What a great job!

I saw this comment on David’s Youtube channel after his vlog (hundreds of great comments posted). This was a really nice comment I thought, from a young musician from England. Such a diversity of fans from all over the world:

“I truly hope you read this, David. I just want you to see that this is a blessing. You don’t need management or a label right now. They have already done you a huge favour, and helped you get out there, and build﻿ an amazing fan base. The music industry is ever-changing and you shine in a different light to other artists. There’s a purity there that isn’t something to be commercialised. If you follow your heart, and make the music you want to make, you will succeed further than ever before.

(cont.) You are a genuinely kind person, and it has become so rare to find artists out there who wish to spread goodwill, kindness, and positivity with their music. I’m not saying it doesn’t exist, but it’s rare. You don’t need the support you once had – you have amazing talent, and are a natural musician. Once you pen your own songs﻿ alone, and find a way to record and release them to your fans, you’ll be unstoppable. I wish you all the very best, and God bless you. You’re extra special! ;-)”

peppertara,
thank you so much for posting that comment, I had not seen it and I’m sitting here at the office welling up over it… I soooo hope David sees it … “you shine in a different light to other artists” *sniff*

It’s beautiful to see those words, especially from another musician … acknowledging that his uniqueness is a gift David has, rather than “he doesn’t fit in anywhere, therefore he’s a marketer’s nightmare” grrr … that’s something we, his fans, have loved from the beginning, that there is no one else like him … and seeing him, in this vlog, reach out to we lucky ones who get that, makes my heart burst with joy. 🙂

WOW I love this video blog. He amazes me over and over with his amazingly positive attitude about everything.

I was dying to watch this since he tweeted about it but couldn’t because I had no internet (got the tweets on my phone), and I was in 2 large American airports today that didn’t have wifi! What is that?! Hahaha but I’m home now so I got to watch it! 🙂

First of all, I’m agreeing with peppertara, LOVE how he first talks about his weekend with his sister. He’s got his priorities straight! Also like the idea of him songwriting by himself and pushing himself outside his comfort zone. He totally surprised me when he said that, that’s not something I was expecting him to be doing necessarily.

kkkkk, Exploding with happiness here!!!!! Got on-line to this>>> this vlog of the most gifted, intelligent, loving artist alive. I. can’t. even. Feeling overwhelmingly blessed to “get” him and be his fan.

TOfan, the title…. aaaaaamazing.

I had a total blast winter camping, something that was on my bucket list, but not sure I would really like it and I loved it!!! Sitting under the stars, in the snow, bundled up by a campfire listening to winter’s silence> perfection. I kept wondering what may be going on with David, trusting that things would be what they would be…. so this vlog just made me go kaboom.

Not once during this Jive-WEG -hassle have I thought David would quit music. He’d give up oxygen before he’d give up singing – he can’t be detach himself from something that’s running through his veins, something he does even in.his.sleep.

The thing that surprised me the most in all this, is how absolutely immature Melinda has been. To think that a woman her age would act like some dumped teenage girl, tweeting stuff that isn’t true, bickering behind David’s back only to call him an angel hours later. I’m friggin relieved that David understands he doesn’t have to be the second coming of Bieber or whatever fantasy Melinda and/or Jive had in mind for him. He’s way too good to be anything but what he was born to be; the young man with the healing Voice.

David Archuleta will open for Brad Paisley at Stadium of Fire July 2, Provo Utah

America’s Freedom Festival is excited to announce CMA Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley will officially headline 2011’s Stadium of Fire on Saturday, July 2nd at Brigham Young University’s LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. American Idol alumnus and Utah native David Archuleta will also perform at the event.

Kendra Lowe, assistant executive producer for the Stadium of Fire, introduces Utah native David Archuleta, who will be one of the headliners for the annual Fourth of July Stadium of Fire. Country music star, Brad Paisley will also be performing.

“Archuleta was on hand for the official announcement, making it to the press conference in the Cougar Room at LaVell Edwards Stadium with under an hour to spare after driving from Los Angeles. In a brief solo interview afterward, the 20-year-old singer said he had been keeping a lid on his Stadium of Fire invite for a while, so much so that he forgot he hadn’t even shared the news with his mother.
“On my way here, she was like, ‘So, what is it, like, we’re going to do? You have an interview?’ ” Archuleta said. “I said, ‘It’s a press conference for Stadium of Fire.’ She’s like, ‘Oh, really? You’re doing that?’ I’m like, ‘Whoops, forgot to tell her.’”

TOfan…”acknowledging that his uniqueness is a gift David has, rather than “he doesn’t fit in anywhere, therefore he’s a marketer’s nightmare” grrr … that’s something we, his fans, have loved from the beginning, that there is no one else like him … and seeing him, in this vlog, reach out to we lucky ones who get that, makes my heart burst with joy. :)”

Amen to that and yes I feel very lucky to be one of those who “get David”, makes my heart burst with joy too.
So happy to see that David will be performing at Stadium Of Fire in July! Good to see an upcoming event with David and loved his little talk at the press conference…very sweet and funny David. Hopefully there will be another event announced before July too. Love David singing anywhere. Great news for Utahns though (and anyone else who will be fortunate to be there).

Here’s another (longer) interview with David and the senior exec. producer of the Stadium of Fire, who explains that what sealed the deal for him was attending one of the MoTab shows! 🙂

“Over a million people tried to get tickets,” said Bacon. “Over a million. I went and saw one of the performances, and he got standing ovations. He did a fabulous job. I mean, of course I’m interested because we were negotiating at that time for him. I saw tremendous response on the part of the public. He did terrific. I thought he was better than I’d ever heard him. That’s the interest we feel the public will have in David.”

hahahaha…the press conference is classic David…you either find him endearing or flaky…no middle ground for a guy who has been a lightening rod for controversy since he stepped on to the Idol stage.

So I guess he woke up and without the assist of WEG (do ya’ think Melinda nagged him??? 😉 ) remembered the press conference and just made it by the skin of his teeth…again, how endearing…bahahahaha

It’s a whole new ballgame since his latest vlog. He is who he is and he’s gonna do what he’s gonna do…not only did he cut the Jive and WEG ribbons that were fraying but he’s gone and grown all the way up to realize that his life is his own ribbon to manage and he has it firmly in hand. I like this “new” vlogging David. He’s shown us he’s embraced his quirkiness and it’s full steam ahead. Endearing much! 😀

Off topic (or maybe not since David tweeted about it last night): Anyone watching the new Idol? I watched a little to see JLo, who I am a fan of, and, I’ve ended up really liking Steven Tyler. It’s a kinder, gentler version of previous seasons AI. And with JLo as a judge, there are references to latino culture plus some contestants sang in spanish. The judges actually let people start over, give them the benefit of the doubt, etc. JLo really gives ppl advice about being rejected and trying again and why one audition isn’t the end, but a learning experience and to move forward using each audition to make fans even if the audition doesn’t end with a yes. She even let them show her crying and wanting to quit when having to dash the hopes of the contestants…of course some think that’s staged…I liked the humanness of it all. Steven Tyler is such a character and essentially a good guy, besides being a legend. He gets music and performing and mixes his “legendness” which he wears unassumingly with genuinely interacting with contestants at this point. I wonder if being a judge on Idol, in the limelight and the focus of controversy in the entertainment world, wears on them over time?

Looks like different artists came out this year for auditions and there were quite a few (highlighted that is) who had tried out previously and didn’t make it. Judges made it clear they are looking for the “package” which includes stage presence, consistency, etc. Top 24 is revealed. Some interesting talent in the group.

P.S. The vocal coach yelling at the two young girl contestants (one made it to the Top 24, Thia) was appalling. So, that’s in the minus column. That coach’s communication style was quite abusive. So maybe they are going to show abusive coaches now that Cowell is gone and the judges are nice…..hmmmmmmm

Kizzi, I’ve checked out a few minutes here and there and do like Tyler and JLo as judges, but the blatant emotional manipulation of the audience and the contestants still gets to me, so I can’t stay tuned in for long. Now they have a nasty vocal coach? Huh???

Info for anyone considering going to Stadium of Fire show:
You can sign up for an email list that will send you a presale code to buy tickets March 2nd (along with other updates). Tix go on sale to the general public March 4th.

Agree tofan. It is “scripted” from the auditions to who makes the top ten for the most successful tour, to the two in the finale, to the winner. And they are reaaally good at it too! I remember someone asking Simon once about what they would do if a contestant they didn’t want to win won because of renegade voters (I think it was the year of Sanjaya.) He scoffed and boldly saying something to the affect of (am paraphrasing because I don’t remember word for word), “oh, we’re not worried. We always get who we want, believe me.”

I always thought Paula’s song choice, And So It Goes, a very obscure song choice, was really a personal message to David, “so I would choose to be with you, that’s if the choice were mine to make.”

Apologies if this post is a little over the top. Just reread it and I sound slightly deranged (and I was even trying to show restraint, haha!) Hope no one took offense. I know there are alot of people who really enjoy the entertainment value of AI. Including David. 🙂

kizzi, AI discussions are cool, emme’s right, a lot of people are getting back into AI this year, I’m just not there yet, lol … I do like what I’ve seen from Steven Tyler and JLo, however, and there was a couple I caught briefly early on (or a former couple who still sing together) who had beautiful harmonies … if they’re still in it, I might try again!

(emme, lol, you didn’t sound deranged at all, in fact I went back & listened again to “And So It Goes,” which I loooooove, so thanks!)

Lol! Can you tell I’m a bit of a skeptic (it sounds nicer than cynic!) It’s not fair of me to judge the show, I had only watched it a handful of times before Season 7, (gee, I wonder how I got sucked into that one) and only two or three times since.

tofan, as obscure a choice as it was for a 17 yr old, and hidden message or not, it is one of my favorite performances on that stage from him. Another one of those you would love to hear him sing in its entirety.

… and speaking of “decisions,” I checked out some of the comments on the vlog for the 1st time, so supportive *sniff* … love these two:

“You’ll be in my prayers David, even as more decision making comes up. …
…at any rate. even if you turn out to be a street performer, I’ll still be your #1 fan.” 😆
and“David comes across as shy and sweet but he has the toughest inner strength of anyone I have ever known. He is a total bada## in the most positive way all wrapped up in the most adorable personality I have ever seen. My﻿ respect for him just went through the roof..” 🙂

I’ve watched maybe a total of one AI show this year, in bits and pieces, and though I enjoyed a few performances and some of the judges’ comments, I find that I still have to stand back and watch as a very very casual viewer. Can not invest, and can not think of the way the show manipulates. Husband watches as I strive to — just for entertainment. He enjoys performances but would never buy a song or seek information about a contestant, no matter how much he likes them. I can never get out of my head that these are musicians who really want a career. I know they must go in with eyes wide open. Wonder if all the worry from season 7 still replays too much for me.